Resolutions for couples and singles

January 1, 2014

Betsie Van der Meer/Getty Images

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Get organized

As a couple: Sometimes it’s easier to face the mess with the buddy system. If you can’t bare to throw things away it’s helpful to have a partner who can do the material parting for you. A set of objective eyes on those ten boxes of receipts you’ve been saving since the Clinton administration might be the catalyst that allows you to finally toss them. It’s especially important with shared spaces that both people can agree on a system to keep things tidy and manageable. Instead of just diving head first into decluttering, sit down and talk through a plan of execution and how you can both realistically keep things orderly once the big cleanup is through. This is also an ideal opportunity for the two of you to toss any items together that remind you of past relationships: make a fresh start in 2014 together.

Betsie Van der Meer/Getty Images

5of13

Get organized

As a couple: Sometimes it’s easier to face the mess with the buddy system. If you can’t bare to throw things away it’s helpful to have a partner who can do the material parting for you. A set of objective eyes on those ten boxes of receipts you’ve been saving since the Clinton administration might be the catalyst that allows you to finally toss them. It’s especially important with shared spaces that both people can agree on a system to keep things tidy and manageable. Instead of just diving head first into decluttering, sit down and talk through a plan of execution and how you can both realistically keep things orderly once the big cleanup is through. This is also an ideal opportunity for the two of you to toss any items together that remind you of past relationships: make a fresh start in 2014 together.